More about Christine

Representative Matters & Experience

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Jury verdict in favor of recruitment outsourcing software and service provider, defeating multi-million dollar claim by customer for alleged fraud, negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract, resulting in a $2.1 million judgment on provider’s counterclaim for breach of contract
$4 million arbitration award on behalf of appliance manufacturer seeking contractual indemnification against a component part supplier for underlying property damage claims arising out of defect in component part
Jury verdict in favor of Oracle Applications implementer on claim by customer seeking to recover consequential damages for breach of “fixed bid” contract
Preliminary injunction in favor of national provider of audio-visual equipment for live business and entertainment events enjoining former salesperson from working for competitor.
Massachusetts defense counsel for two major national retailers in discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour, and public accommodation claims
Favorable summary judgment rulings for employers in numerous discrimination, sexual harassment and civil rights matters
Successful appeal overturning employee’s jury verdict against employer based upon lack of subject matter jurisdiction over workers’ compensation claims
Favorable resolution on behalf of seller of software company of buyer’s claims for breach of stock purchase agreement and violations of Chapter 93A in connection with certain representations and warranties and the alleged failure to transfer certain software licenses
Summary judgment in favor of release of information service provider that precluded named plaintiffs and prospective class members from recovering damages in class action asserting that provider had imposed unlawful charges when fulfilling medical records requests
Pre-trial dismissal of class allegations in consumer protection action brought against vehicle storage and auction facility for alleged unfair and deceptive trade practices in connection with its standard notice to vehicle owners
Favorable resolution of a defamation and commercial disparagement claim on behalf of a consumer product manufacturer alleging that the sponsor of an educational seminar for the client’s customers made false statements concerning the client’s products
Summary judgment in favor of a consumer product manufacturer in misrepresentation claim by patent owner seeking a licensing arrangement, based upon a successful Daubert challenge to the plaintiff’s proposed expert testimony on lost profits
Preliminary injunction on behalf of technology consulting firm against a former employee and favorable settlement with new employer after discovery on employee’s misappropriation of trade secrets and violation of the injunction
Representation of major mutual fund company in non-compete case against high-profile portfolio manager, resulting in favorable settlement on the eve of evidentiary hearing on company’s request for injunctive relief

Professional Affiliations

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Boston Bar Association (President-Elect, 2018-present; Vice President, 2017; Treasurer and Chair, Finance Committee, 2015; Member, Executive Committee, 2013-2016, 2017-present; Member, Council, 2012-2016; Co-Chair, BBA Task Force on the Future of the Profession, 2010-2011; Co-Chair, BBA Strategic Planning Committee, 2008-2009; Chair, BBA Nominating Committee, 2007; Member, Litigation and Labor and Employment Sections)
Boston Bar Foundation (Trustee, 2017-present; Society of Fellows Committee, 2012-2016)
Women’s Bar Association (Co-Chair, Women’s Leadership Initiative, 2011-2012; Co-Chair, Appointments, Awards & Endorsements Committee, 2006-2008; Co-Chair, Senior Practice Group, 2002-2006)
Boston University School of Law, Small-Midsized Firm Apprenticeship Program (Member, Advisory Board 2014-present)
Massachusetts Bar Association (Labor and Employment Section)
Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (Vice President, 2011-2015; Board Member, 2010-2011)
Board of Editors, Boston Bar Journal (Chair, 2004-2007; Member, 2002-2007)

Speaking Engagements

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Presenter, “Digital Accessibility on Today’s Campus: The Law, the Challenges, and Some Practical Approaches,” Boston Bar Association, October 2017
Presenter, “Self-Help Discovery: Ethical Breach or Protected Right,” Boston Bar Association, February 2017
Presenter, “Contract and Tort Update,” MCLE 19th Annual Employment Conference, December 2016
Presenter, “The Verdrager v. Mintz, Levin Case: Sex Discrimination, Retaliation and Discovery in the Law Firm Context,” Frank J. Murray Inn of Court, November 2016
Panelist, “Both Sides of the Bar,” Mass DLA/MATA, March 2016
Panelist, “The Supremes: Review of 2014 Employment Cases,” Boston Bar Association, September 2014
Panelist, “Connecting With Your Jury,” Women’s Bar Association, April 2014
Presenter, “Defending Depositions: What Every Litigator Needs to Know,” Boston Bar Association, April 2014

Publications

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Co-author, “The Family and Medical Leave Act: An Employer Perspective,” Massachusetts Employment Law (MCLE, Inc. 2017)
Co-author, “Leave Policies,” Massachusetts Wage and Hours Handbook, (MCLE, Inc. 2017)
Interference with Business Relations (MCLE, Inc. 2011)
Ethical “Red Flags” for Counsel Retained by Insurer to Defend Insured, BBA Employment Law Seminar (June, 1999)
Co-author, “Chapter 93A and Chapter 176D – Recent Developments,” a chapter in Raising the Stakes: Defending G.L. c. 93A and G.L. 176D Claims (Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association, 1994)

Honors

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Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
The Best Lawyers in America (Commercial Litigation, 2013-2017, Litigation, Labor & Employment, 2017)
Benchmark Litigation “Litigation Star,” Massachusetts, 2013-2016
Benchmark Litigation “Top 250 Women in Litigation,” Massachusetts, 2013-2014
Benchmark Litigation “First Circuit Litigation Star,” Massachusetts, 2013
Massachusetts Super Lawyers (Business Litigation), Boston magazine, 2005-2016; Top 100 Lawyers in Massachusetts, 2013, 2016; Top 50 Female Lawyers in Massachusetts, 2008-2016; Top 50 Female Lawyers in New England, 2011-2013, 2015- 2016
Honoree, “Top Women of Law,” Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, 2012

Christine M. Netski

Managing Partner

Chair, Employment Law Group
Co-Chair, Business Disputes Group

617.227.3030

netski@sugarmanrogers.com

Christine handles business and employment litigation for clients in a broad range of industries, including technology, biotechnology, professional services, insurance, health care, retail and manufacturing. She represents clients in cases involving non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, civil conspiracy, defamation, unfair trade practices and breach of contract.

As a seasoned trial lawyer, Christine has an efficient and pragmatic approach to risk assessment. She serves as a trusted advisor to her clients, partnering with them to resolve high-stakes disputes both inside and outside the courtroom.

Christine’s employment practice includes representing employers in cases involving allegations of race, gender, age and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge and other employment-related claims, and advising employers on legal compliance and best practices in the work place. In addition, Christine assists employers and business executives in negotiating employment contracts and severance agreements.

Christine is the firm’s managing partner and a member of its executive committee.

Representative Matters & Experience

Jury verdict in favor of recruitment outsourcing software and service provider, defeating multi-million dollar claim by customer for alleged fraud, negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract, resulting in a $2.1 million judgment on provider’s counterclaim for breach of contract
$4 million arbitration award on behalf of appliance manufacturer seeking contractual indemnification against a component part supplier for underlying property damage claims arising out of defect in component part
Jury verdict in favor of Oracle Applications implementer on claim by customer seeking to recover consequential damages for breach of “fixed bid” contract
Preliminary injunction in favor of national provider of audio-visual equipment for live business and entertainment events enjoining former salesperson from working for competitor.
Massachusetts defense counsel for two major national retailers in discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour, and public accommodation claims
Favorable summary judgment rulings for employers in numerous discrimination, sexual harassment and civil rights matters
Successful appeal overturning employee’s jury verdict against employer based upon lack of subject matter jurisdiction over workers’ compensation claims
Favorable resolution on behalf of seller of software company of buyer’s claims for breach of stock purchase agreement and violations of Chapter 93A in connection with certain representations and warranties and the alleged failure to transfer certain software licenses
Summary judgment in favor of release of information service provider that precluded named plaintiffs and prospective class members from recovering damages in class action asserting that provider had imposed unlawful charges when fulfilling medical records requests
Pre-trial dismissal of class allegations in consumer protection action brought against vehicle storage and auction facility for alleged unfair and deceptive trade practices in connection with its standard notice to vehicle owners
Favorable resolution of a defamation and commercial disparagement claim on behalf of a consumer product manufacturer alleging that the sponsor of an educational seminar for the client’s customers made false statements concerning the client’s products
Summary judgment in favor of a consumer product manufacturer in misrepresentation claim by patent owner seeking a licensing arrangement, based upon a successful Daubert challenge to the plaintiff’s proposed expert testimony on lost profits
Preliminary injunction on behalf of technology consulting firm against a former employee and favorable settlement with new employer after discovery on employee’s misappropriation of trade secrets and violation of the injunction
Representation of major mutual fund company in non-compete case against high-profile portfolio manager, resulting in favorable settlement on the eve of evidentiary hearing on company’s request for injunctive relief

Professional Affiliations

Boston Bar Association (President-Elect, 2018-present; Vice President, 2017; Treasurer and Chair, Finance Committee, 2015; Member, Executive Committee, 2013-2016, 2017-present; Member, Council, 2012-2016; Co-Chair, BBA Task Force on the Future of the Profession, 2010-2011; Co-Chair, BBA Strategic Planning Committee, 2008-2009; Chair, BBA Nominating Committee, 2007; Member, Litigation and Labor and Employment Sections)
Boston Bar Foundation (Trustee, 2017-present; Society of Fellows Committee, 2012-2016)
Women’s Bar Association (Co-Chair, Women’s Leadership Initiative, 2011-2012; Co-Chair, Appointments, Awards & Endorsements Committee, 2006-2008; Co-Chair, Senior Practice Group, 2002-2006)
Boston University School of Law, Small-Midsized Firm Apprenticeship Program (Member, Advisory Board 2014-present)
Massachusetts Bar Association (Labor and Employment Section)
Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (Vice President, 2011-2015; Board Member, 2010-2011)
Board of Editors, Boston Bar Journal (Chair, 2004-2007; Member, 2002-2007)

Speaking Engagements

Presenter, “Digital Accessibility on Today’s Campus: The Law, the Challenges, and Some Practical Approaches,” Boston Bar Association, October 2017
Presenter, “Self-Help Discovery: Ethical Breach or Protected Right,” Boston Bar Association, February 2017
Presenter, “Contract and Tort Update,” MCLE 19th Annual Employment Conference, December 2016
Presenter, “The Verdrager v. Mintz, Levin Case: Sex Discrimination, Retaliation and Discovery in the Law Firm Context,” Frank J. Murray Inn of Court, November 2016
Panelist, “Both Sides of the Bar,” Mass DLA/MATA, March 2016
Panelist, “The Supremes: Review of 2014 Employment Cases,” Boston Bar Association, September 2014
Panelist, “Connecting With Your Jury,” Women’s Bar Association, April 2014
Presenter, “Defending Depositions: What Every Litigator Needs to Know,” Boston Bar Association, April 2014

Publications

Co-author, “The Family and Medical Leave Act: An Employer Perspective,” Massachusetts Employment Law (MCLE, Inc. 2017)
Co-author, “Leave Policies,” Massachusetts Wage and Hours Handbook, (MCLE, Inc. 2017)
Interference with Business Relations (MCLE, Inc. 2011)
Ethical “Red Flags” for Counsel Retained by Insurer to Defend Insured, BBA Employment Law Seminar (June, 1999)
Co-author, “Chapter 93A and Chapter 176D – Recent Developments,” a chapter in Raising the Stakes: Defending G.L. c. 93A and G.L. 176D Claims (Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association, 1994)

Honors

Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
The Best Lawyers in America (Commercial Litigation, 2013-2017, Litigation, Labor & Employment, 2017)
Benchmark Litigation “Litigation Star,” Massachusetts, 2013-2016
Benchmark Litigation “Top 250 Women in Litigation,” Massachusetts, 2013-2014
Benchmark Litigation “First Circuit Litigation Star,” Massachusetts, 2013
Massachusetts Super Lawyers (Business Litigation), Boston magazine, 2005-2016; Top 100 Lawyers in Massachusetts, 2013, 2016; Top 50 Female Lawyers in Massachusetts, 2008-2016; Top 50 Female Lawyers in New England, 2011-2013, 2015- 2016
Honoree, “Top Women of Law,” Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, 2012

Reminder

Chair, Employment Law Group
Co-Chair, Business Disputes Group